Candidate: Darby Allen

Greetings Levy County!

My name is Darby O’Neill Allen, and I’m running for Levy County School Board – District 2.  I am seeking election because I am passionate about students, education and Levy County.  Our students deserve the very best education possible, and I’ll work relentlessly to continue improving our school system.  Our current board consists of primarily business owners who certainly value education and may even have prior educational experience.  However, the board should be balanced with at least some of the members being practicing educators.  I’ve spent the past 24 years as a practicing teacher, school administrator, and district administrator.  Levy County School Board needs my experience and expertise.

I grew up in this area with my mom, who spent more than 30 years teaching in Levy County.  I am a proud graduate of Chiefland High School, and both of my children attended Chiefland schools (Kg-12th).  I have lived in Levy County since 1994 and truly have a vested interest in this area.   

After high school, I received an Associate of Arts degree from Santa Fe College, a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Saint Leo University, and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Florida.  During my career in education, I spent eleven years teaching in Levy County (elementary and middle), ten years as a school-based administrator in Levy County (elementary, middle, and high), and three years as a district administrator in a neighboring county.  Not only do I have the credentials to be an effective school board member, but I also have the experience necessary to make a positive impact on our school system.

In addition to extensive experience in the education field, I also possess common sense, have integrity, have the ability to see different perspectives, and am always willing to work hard.  While I can tell you these things about myself, I encourage you to talk with those who know me and have worked with me.  They can provide you with the best testimony of my character. 

As your future board member, I will be an advocate for all of Levy County, and I will help hold the district accountable.  I will always keep STUDENTS FIRST when making decisions and voting.  I will treat others with honesty and respect.  I will continue to seek out and listen to concerns of the communities to improve our school system for students, employees, families, and communities.  Specifically, I will start by working for more open communication within the district, better recruitment and retention of teachers, and higher student performance.

Your VOTE for Darby Allen on August 18 will ensure there is an active educator on the board and that our students will be THE priority!

Please feel free to contact me if you want to know more.  I’m available by phone (352-221-0625), by email (darbyallen0625@gmail.com) or on Facebook  (www.facebook.com/DarbyAllenforLevyCountySchoolBoardDistrict2/ or just search “Darby Allen School Board”).

I look forward to the opportunity to serve you!

Darby O’Neill Allen

Candidate for Levy County School Board – District 2